have been anxious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been anxious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of worry or concern that has persisted over a period of time. Example: "I have been anxious about the upcoming exam, as I want to perform well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Civic leaders have been anxious to put on the city's best face.

The New York Times

Those backers may have been anxious as they watched the race unfold early.

The New York Times - Sports

Exiles have been anxious to return to Tunisia since Mr. Ben Ali left.

The New York Times

LGBT groups around the country have been anxious for the results of Grimm's appeal.

The Guardian

But most of his clients have been anxious about their summer vacations.

The New York Times

Others have been anxious that burglars are trying to find out whether their property is occupied.

The Guardian - Business

Warcraft players have been anxious about rumours of the latest expansion pack, Mists of Pandaria.

The Guardian - Tech

Some people have been anxious after local left-wing rebels who call themselves Maoists vowed to disrupt the election.

The Economist

After several weeks of sensitisation, mobilisation and assessments, the people have been anxious to see real action.

The Guardian

But they seem to have been anxious not to let Miranda and his friends realise they had been betrayed.

The Guardian

For more than a decade, Pentagon officials have been anxious about the growing reliance by the United States electronics industry on Chinese manufacturers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of overusing "have been anxious". Consider synonyms like "concerned" or "worried" to add variety to your writing and prevent it from sounding repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "have been anxious" when referring to a single, isolated moment of anxiety. The phrase implies a prolonged state of worry, not a fleeting feeling. For a brief moment of anxiety, consider using "felt anxious" or "was anxious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been anxious" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a prolonged or continuing state of anxiety. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. Examples show it expressing concern over events, decisions, or potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been anxious" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sustained feeling of worry or concern, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in "News & Media", this phrase serves to communicate a lasting state of unease regarding various situations or events. For alternative expressions, consider "have been worried" or "have been concerned". It's important to use "have been anxious" when describing a prolonged state, not a fleeting moment of anxiety. When aiming for less formal language, options like "have been nervous" or "have been on edge" might be appropriate. Ensure the cause of anxiety is clear for better clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been worried

Replaces "anxious" with a more general term for concern.

have been concerned

Similar to "worried", but may imply a slightly more formal or serious tone.

have been nervous

A more direct and common synonym for "anxious".

have been apprehensive

Implies a feeling of dread or unease about a future event.

have been uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or peace of mind.

have been on edge

Indicates a state of heightened nervousness or irritability.

have been agitated

Suggests a state of restlessness and heightened anxiety.

have been stressed

Indicates experiencing pressure or strain, often leading to anxiety.

have been eager

Suggests a strong desire or anticipation, which can sometimes overlap with anxiety.

have been waiting with bated breath

This idiom means waiting anxiously or excitedly for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "have been anxious" in a sentence?

You can use "have been anxious" to describe a prolonged state of worry or concern about something. For example: "I "have been anxious" about the test results all week."

What's a less formal way to say "have been anxious"?

Less formal alternatives include "have been worried", "have been nervous", or "have been on edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "I have been anxious" or "I am anxious"?

"I "have been anxious"" indicates a state of anxiety that has persisted over time, while "I am anxious" describes your current emotional state at this moment. The correct choice depends on the context.

When should I use "have been anxious" instead of "have been eager"?

Use ""have been anxious"" when the feeling involves worry or concern. Use "have been eager" when the feeling primarily involves anticipation and excitement.